Why Is Canola Oil Banned In Europe?

There have been rumours that canola oil is banned in Europe. While it is true that some countries in Europe find its components hazardous, the ban is a different story altogether. If you are still wondering why is canola oil banned in Europe?

Read on as we discover its components and why the EU has considered banning canola oil.

Is Canola Oil Banned In Europe?

The simple answer is No. Canola oil has not been banned in Europe. The earlier reports from various sources seem false, and the EU’s only concern is the health of its citizens and the environment.

The Reason Why People Think Canola Oil Is Banned In Europe

The reason surrounding the canola oil ban controversy is the associated health risks from its use.

It contains a high amount of trans fats, the harmful erucic acid, and has minimal levels of omega-3.

As a result, the EU food safety authority considers it a potential contaminant unsafe for human consumption.

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What Is Canola Oil?

Canola oil is a well-known vegetable-based cooking oil from the Canola plant seeds. Although Canada is the world’s largest Canola seed producer, it is grown in various countries worldwide, including the European Union.

The plant sprouts tiny bright yellow flowers which mature to seed pods, similar to peas. The pods contain minute black seeds, approximately over 40% oil. During processing, these seeds are crushed to release the oil.

Is Canola Oil Safe For Human Consumption?

Yes. Humans have been consuming canola oil for decades, and it is considered safe worldwide.

However, Europe has been making headlines due to its concerns about the effects of erucic acid. 

Despite their warnings and restrictions, they have not banned canola.

Instead, they have put restrictions to lower its production and encourage people to use healthier alternatives for cooking.

Potential Risks Of Canola Oil

While canola oil is still in use worldwide, various health and environmental risks are linked to its production.

These concerns are also in Rapeseed oil, which contains more harmful components.

The first component in canola is erucic acid, an unsaturated fatty acid common in rapeseed.

Over time, experts believe human consumption of high amounts of erucic acid may lead to insulin resistance and heart problems.

To curb this issue, the EU is researching lowering the amount of acid in vegetable oils using genetically modified plants.

Consuming high amounts of erucic acid-containing oils risks developing type 2 diabetes and cardiac issues as fat surrounds the heart.

As a result, the EU passed legislation that only allows the production of vegetable oils with a particular maximum limit of erucic acid.

Therefore, today, the canola oil in the EU market has lower than 2% erucic acid per the approved international standards.

Another negative effect of overconsuming canola oil is its potential to cause inflammation and affect memory.

Older adults are at risk of deteriorating cognitive function should they consume excess canola oil containing high levels of erucic acid.

These unhealthy fat components also increase the chances of brain inflammation, a risk associated with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. 

Given these negative health effects, we must be mindful of the oils we consume, especially those with high erucic acid levels.

Healthier alternatives are available to reduce the risk of heart disease, insulin resistance, and risk of inflammation, and memory impairment.

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Alternatives To Canola Oil

Although canola oil is not banned in Europe, caution is necessary when consuming all vegetable-based cooking oils.

Experts recommend minimal oil use and the option of consuming healthier alternatives with higher benefits.

The main alternatives to Canola or Rapeseed are:

Coconut Oil

Compared to canola, coconut oil contains components that our bodies absorb easier instead of storing them as fat.

When we eat coconut oil, our bodies convert it to energy as we feel fuller, resulting in better weight control.

In addition, coconut oil has lauric acid, which promotes good heart health and fights bad viruses and bacteria.

Lauric acid is a fatty acid in coconut with numerous medicinal benefits due to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Furthermore, using coconut oil on your skin is good for moisturization. Coconut oil is an excellent anti-inflammatory, especially for people suffering from skin conditions such as eczema.

No wonder it is a popular natural alternative to processed body care products.

Olive Oil

Using olive oil as a healthier alternative to canola means you get an increase in good cholesterol in your body.

As the main cooking oil, especially in the plant-based Mediterranean-style diet, it is good for the heart.

It also reduces the chances of chronic illnesses while helping maintain a healthier lifestyle.

Another benefit of olive oil is its antioxidant properties, which help reduce inflammation and maintain healthier bodies.

These beneficial Vitamins, K and E, are fatty acids that can help boost metabolism, especially for those battling weight issues.

Lastly, applying extra virgin olive oil to your skin nourishes and hydrates it. It is also a wonderful natural hair product, giving it a good shine.

Worldwide, it is the richest source of plant benefits and the most recommended alternative to all vegetable cooking oils. 

Conclusion

While most of the EU has restricted canola oil production and distribution due to health concerns, it is not banned.

The potential negative health and environmental impacts it has are due to the high levels of undesirable components.

Compared to other oil sources such as olive and coconut oil, it is a less desirable product, especially for human consumption. Therefore, consider using the healthier alternatives mentioned above for your body’s health.